Better signage wanted for public electric vehicle charging, says AA

Drivers are calling for green signs and totem poles to identify where public electric vehicle (EV) charge points are located, according to new research from the AA.

More than half (56%) of the 8,268 prospective EV drivers said that steps such as a clearer, universal sign should be used to help chargers stand out, alongside totem pole pricing boards used at fuel forecourts (51%), as well as including charge points on built-in sat-navs for petrol and diesel cars (52%).

When asked about updating the existing charge point sign, more than three quarters (77%) said that using a ‘green P’ would have the most impact when indicating the location of chargers, compared to the current sign which utilises the traditional ‘blue P’ parking sign.

Existing EV charge point sign

Proposed EV charge point sign

As well as upgrading the signs, the AA investigated how many public chargers would be needed to help convince drivers to make the switch from combustion to electric. 

The Government is on track to reach its target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, however respondents said that a figure around 380,000 by the same deadline would give them the confidence to change to an electric vehicle.

Members also expressed concerns about the speed of charging alongside accessibility and concerns about their personal safety. 

The AA is calling on charge point operators and the Government to discuss and tackle these issues more, to help give those considering an EV more confidence to switch.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “While it’s great to see charging infrastructure installed across the country, there is a danger that many units are hiding in plain sight.

“Often it is small changes that make a big difference, and if a green ‘P’ will help sign the way, highlight the network and give more confidence to those looking to switch to electric, then it seems a sensible upgrade to make.”

He concluded: “A visible public charging network is just one aspect that drivers are looking at when considering if the time is right for them to go electric. 

“Charger reliability, speed of charging, cost, accessibility and personal safety are all being weighed up by consumers before making the leap. 

“The more Government and charge point operators can do to help address these issues, the more EVs we may see on the road.”